Billion plastic pellets spilled into UK river after two ships collide
Summary
Around one billion tiny plastic pellets called nurdles spilled into the River Tyne after two ships collided at the Port of Tyne in the UK. The pellets have spread widely, polluting local beaches and posing a threat to wildlife because they are hard to remove and can be mistaken for food by animals.Key Facts
- The collision happened between the ship Wind Orca and the berthed container ship BG Orange.
- Up to 25 tonnes of nurdles, about one billion pellets, entered the water.
- Nurdles are small plastic pellets (1mm-5mm) used to make plastic products.
- Nurdles are not toxic themselves but absorb harmful toxins in the environment.
- Animals, including seabirds and turtles, often eat nurdles by mistake.
- The spill is close to Marsden Bay, an important seabird colony in England.
- Local authorities warn people to avoid handling nurdles and keep pets away.
- Cleanup efforts are underway, and officials are working with insurers to cover costs.
- Environmental groups call for stronger UK laws to prevent such spills in the future.
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